Dune: Prophecy takes a deep dive into the lives of Valya and Tula Harkonnen, ending with a sequence where Valya visits her uncle and nephew. Actors Emily Watson and Jessica Barden play Valya Harkonnen, the show’s lead, at different points in time for Dune: Prophecy’s cast. Episode 3 utilized several flashbacks to show an important part of Valya’s life as she drifted away from her family and tied her loyalties to Mother Superior Racquella and the Sisterhood, setting her up to later become the organization’s leader.

Valya Harkonnen is an ultra-powerful figure at this point in Dune’s timeline, as she’s the leader of an organization that has its roots dug all over the Imperium. Episode 2 saw some of her influence severed, though, as Desmond Hart convinced Emperor Javicco Corrino to outcast her from the Imperial Palace and also resisted the power of the Voice. Valya has made an interesting play in episode 3 with her back against the wall, and the flashbacks demonstrate the duality of her character and why it all matters.

New episodes of Dune: Prophecy release every Sunday at 9 PM on HBO & MAX.

Valya Visiting Her Uncle Breaks Away From “Sisterhood Above All”

Valya Is Meant To Cut Her Family Ties As A Member Of The Sisterhood

“Sisterhood Above All” is the title of Dune: Prophecy episode 3, which examines Valya Harkonnen’s path from a proud member of her house, wishing vengeance on House Atreides, to the leader of the Sisterhood. One of her most significant tests is to declare the phrase “Sisterhood above all,” declaring that she will always put the needs of the organization above those of her individual person and family. She’s meant to leave her family ties behind, which she seems to do when she uses the Voice on Sonya and brings Tula with her to the Sisterhood.

This makes her meeting with her uncle and nephew in Dune: Prophecy episode 3’s ending all the more significant, as she’s now returning to them. The power of the Voice and the Sisterhood’s influence didn’t work for her, so she’s returning to her Harkonnen ties to request help. Valya is extremely desperate in episode 3, and it shows how conflicted she is as a character. She may make claims about making sacrifices for the Sisterhood, but she’s willing to bend the rules when her position is threatened.

How Can Valya’s Uncle Actually Help Her?

House Harkonnen May Have Some Underground Influence To Help Her

House Harkonnen has suffered in recent years before the events of Dune: Prophecy, as they were deemed cowards by House Atreides at the end of the Butlerian Jihad. They don’t have the influence they have during the time of the Dune films, but they may still have connections and some level of influence that can help her in return for her help in raising their standing as a house. It’s hard to say what exactly her play is, but House Harkonnen should never be completely counted out in the Dune universe.